How to Deep Water Plants

• Step1 Use a soaker hose around the drip line of existing landscape trees. Turn on the water to a very slow flow and allow it to run as long as overnight. Roots grow where the soil is damp. By driving the water deep into the soil, you encourage roots to follow.
  
• Step2 Purchase a deep watering tool that can be attached to the end of a hose. Turn on the water 1/4 strength - any stronger will wash the soil away from the roots. Plunge the spike end into the soil around the drip line of existing landscape shrubs. Move around the tree, watering in 8-10 places around the drip line.
  
• Step3 Wrap the end of a hose with an old cotton sock. Use a rubber band to hold it in place. Turn on the water to a slow trickle and place the sock end of the hose near the drip line. Allow the water to run for several hours, then move the hose 1/4 revolution around the drip line. Continue until the entire perimeter of the tree has been watered. The sock breaks the force flow of the water so that it doesn't wash the soil away.
  
• Step4 Set up permanent soaker hoses under redwood trees and cover with mulch. Although redwoods are shallow rooted and don't require deep watering, their wide, flat mat of roots will benefit from a biweekly application of water applied directly to the roots during the summer and fall. Allow the water to run for several hours at a very slow volume.
  
• Step5 For flowering summer annuals, such as marigolds, form an earthen bowl around the plant and fill it with water, allowing the water to soak into the earth. Do this once a week to encourage deep root growth and larger, stronger plants.